Method and apparatus for increasing signal to noise ratio

ABSTRACT

A method for increasing signal to noise ratio is disclosed. The method can automatically detect saturation output voltage of the photosensors via adjusting exposure time or illumination intensity so as to obtain optimum output voltage of the photosensors as well as high signal to noise ratio that can generate high quality images.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for increasing signal to noise ratio, and more particularly to a method for increasing signal to noise ratio that can automatically detect saturation output voltage of photosensors via adjusting exposure time or illumination intensity so as to obtain optimum output voltage of the photosensors.

2. Description of the Related Art

Optical scanners are used to capture and digitize images. For example, an optical scanner can be used to capture the image of printed matter on a sheet of paper. The digitized image can then be electronically stored and/or processed with character recognition software to produce ASCII text. The typical optical scanner includes a light source, a linear array of photoelectric sensing elements (generally a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, or a CIS sensor), an analog amplifier, an analog to digital converter (ADC) a controller and a random access memory (RAM).

The CCD sensor includes a large number (e.g., 2000) of photoelectric sensing elements arranged in a linear array. Each photoelectric sensing element will capture light representing a single pixel of the image. The array will capture a line of pixels. By moving the CCD sensor across a document, the entire document can be scanned one line at a time.

The conversion into digital signals of light reflected from or transmitted through the document takes place in essentially three steps. First, each photoelectric sensing element will convert the light which it receives into an electric charge. The magnitude of the charge will depend on the intensity of the light and the exposure time. Second, the charges from each of the photoelectric sensing elements are converted into analog voltages via the analog amplifier. Finally, the analog voltages are digitized by the analog to digital converter for digital image processing and storage in the RAM.

In conventional optical scanners, the CCD sensor is slowly scanned across a document. The photoelectric sensing elements are continuously exposed. After a fixed exposure time, a line of charges (representing a line of pixels of the image) are dumped from the photoelectric sensing elements to one or more analog shift registers. Once the charges are dumped, the photoelectric sensing elements resume generating charges in response to the light to which they are exposed. However, before the next line of charges can be dumped, the analog shift registers must be cleared and the charges stored therein must be processed.

The processing time for the data in the CCD sensor includes the time required to serially shift a line of charges from the analog shift registers, to convert the charges to analog voltages, to digitize the voltages, to perform any desired image processing and to store the digital representation of each pixel in the RAM. Once all pixels or charges of a line have been processed, the charges of the next line can be dumped from the photoelectric sensing elements. Thus, the time required to process all pixels or charges of a line would be equal to the exposure time of the CCD sensor. Conventional optical scanners fix the exposure time equal to this processing time. For example, if it takes one microsecond to process each charge or pixel, then a 2000 pixel line would require two milliseconds for full processing. Thus, the exposure time for the CCD sensor would be equal to a fixed two milliseconds.

The CCD sensor will generally have a fixed noise level. Thus, to p optimize the signal to noise ratio of the scanner, it is desirable to maximize the optical signal received at the CCD sensing element. By maximizing the optical signal, with a fixed noise level, the signal to noise ratio can be maximized. However, image quality provided by conventional optical scanners is always limited or hardly upgraded since their expose time and illumination intensity are fixed and a minimum saturation voltage of photoelectric sensing elements, instead of an actual saturation voltage, is set as standard system value. It is desirable to provide a method for increasing the signal to noise ratio of the sensor to overcome the limitations of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for increasing signal to noise ratio and image quality.

It is another object of this invention to completely utilize the saturation output voltage of the photosensors in an image scanner.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a method for automatically detecting saturation output voltage of the photosensors via adjusting exposure time or illumination intensity so as to obtain optimum output voltage of the photosensors.

To achieve these objects, and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, the invention provide a method for increasing signal to noise ratio. The out voltage of photosensors such as charge coupled devices (CCD) or complemental metal oxide semiconductor sensors is usually derated or lower than the input voltage of the analog to digital converter (ADC). The method for increasing signal to noise ratio of the invention is used to find out the actual saturation voltage of the photosensors and then increases the output voltage of the photosensors by increasing exposure time tint or lamp illumination to near the actual saturation voltage of the photosensors so that the signal to noise ratio can be increased and image quality can be upgraded. The method comprises the following steps. First of all exposure time T_(n) or illumination L_(Xn) is set. Next a white target chart for said exposure time T_(n) (illumination L_(Xn)) is scanned. Then output digital data D_(n) via an N bit analog to digital converter are generated. Next output digital data D_(n) is compared with 2^(N)−1. Then exposure time T_(n) is increased to exposure time T_(n+1) if output digital data is smaller than 2^(N)−1. Next white target chart is scanned for exposure time T_(n+1). Then output digital data D_(n+1) are generated via N bit analog to digital converter. Next output digital data D_(n+1) are compared with said output digital data D_(n). Exposure time T_(n) is saved when output digital data D_(n+1) is not larger than output digital data D_(n). Exposure time T_(n+1) is further increased when output digital data D_(n+1) is larger than output digital data D_(n). However, if output digital data is not smaller than 2^(N)−1, then exposure time T_(n) decreased to exposure time T_(n+1). White target chart is scanned for said exposure time T_(n+1). Output digital data D_(n+1) are generated via said N bit analog to digital converter. Then output digital data D_(n+1) are compared with output digital data D_(n) Exposure time T_(n+1) is saved when output digital data D_(n+1) is not larger than output digital data D_(n). Exposure time T_(n+1) is further decreased when output digital data D_(n+1) is larger than output digital data D_(n).

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of the method for increasing signal noise ratio;

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of how the method of this invention is utilized in a scanning procedure; and

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of saturation voltage V_(sat) versus input illumination energy E.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It is to be understood and appreciated that the method for increasing signal noise ratio described below do not cover a complete system and method. The present invention can be practiced in conjunction with various software and hardware that are used in the art, and only so much of the commonly practiced components and steps are included herein as are necessary to provide an understanding of the present invention.

The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are in greatly simplified form.

Referring to FIG. 1, a flow chart of the method for increasing signal to noise ratio in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is shown. Under common circumstance, the out voltage of photosensors such as charge coupled devices (CCD) or complemental metal oxide semiconductor sensors is lower than the input voltage of the analog to digital converter (ADC). The method for increasing signal to noise ratio of the invention is used to find out the actual saturation voltage of the photosensors and then increases the output voltage of the photosensors by increasing exposure time tint or lamp illumination to near the actual saturation voltage of the photosensors so that the signal to noise ratio can be increased and image quality can be upgraded. First of all, after step 102, original exposure time tint T₀ or original lamp illumination L_(X0) is set in step 104. Since illumination energy E equals the product of exposure time tint T and lamp illumination L, increasing either exposure time tint T or illumination L will increase illumination energy E. Next in step 106, a white target chart is scanned and the photosensors convert the light which it receives into an electric charge. The magnitude of the charge depend on illumination L_(X0) (the intensity of the light) and exposure time tint T₀ set forth. Then the charges from the photosensors are converted into analog voltages via the analog amplifier. Finally, the analog voltages are digitized to form a maximum data D₀ by the analog to digital converter for digital image processing. If a 8 bit analog to digital converter is utilized, data D₀ is from 0 to 255. In step 108, maximum data D₀ is compared to 255 if a 8 bit analog to digital converter is utilized. If maximum data D₀ is smaller than 255, then exposure time tint T_(n) or lamp illumination L_(Xn) should be increased and the white target chart is scanned again in step 110. The magnitude of the charge now depends on illumination L_(Xn+1) and exposure time tint T_(n+1). Then the charges from the photosensors are converted into analog voltages via the analog amplifier. Finally, the analog voltages are digitized to form a maximum data D_(n+1) by the analog to digital converter for digital image processing. The maximum data D_(n+1) is then compared to the previous maximum data D_(n)(starting from D₀) in step 112. If the maximum data D_(n+1) is not larger than the previous maximum data D_(n), that means that the output voltage of the photosensors has been saturated and exposure time tint T_(n) or illumination L_(Xn) generating the maximum data D_(n) is saved in step 114. On the contrary, if the maximum data D_(n+1) is larger than the previous maximum data D_(n), that means that the output voltage of the photosensors has not been saturated and the process goes back step 110 until the output voltage of the photosensors is saturated.

If maximum data D₀ is not smaller than 255, then exposure time tint T or lamp illumination L_(Xn) should be decreased and the white target chart is scanned again in step 116. The magnitude of the charge depend on illumination L_(Xn+1) and exposure time tint T_(n+1). Then the charges from the photosensors are converted into analog voltages via the analog amplifier. Finally, the analog voltages are digitized to form a maximum data D_(n+1) by the analog to digital converter for digital image processing. The maximum data D_(n+1) is then compared to the previous maximum data D_(n) (starting from D₀) in step 118. If the maximum data D_(n+1) is smaller than the previous maximum data D_(n), that means that the output voltage of the photosensors has been saturated and exposure time tint T_(n+1) or illumination L_(Xn+1) generating the maximum data D_(n+1) is saved in step 120. On the contrary, if the maximum data D_(n+1) is not smaller than the previous maximum data D_(n), that means that the output voltage of the photosensors has not been saturated and the process goes back step 116 until the output voltage of the photosensors is saturated.

Referring to FIG. 2, a flow chart of how the method of this invention is utilized in a scanning procedure is shown. In step 202, an user interface operated in personal computer is launched. Then default scan parameters are set up in step 204. Next optimum exposure time or optimum illumination is found in step 206 or 208 via the method described above and shown in FIG. 1. New scan parameters obtained in step 206 or 208 are then set up before starting scan in step 212.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of output voltage V₀ of photosensors versus input illumination energy E (L_(x)×T). As shown in the figure, output voltage V₀ increases linearly with input illumination energy E until saturation exposure SE is reached, wherein ADS means average dark signal. Output voltage V₀ equals saturation voltage V_(sat) at saturation exposure SE.

Other embodiments of the invention will appear to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples to be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. 

1-13. (canceled)
 14. A method for increasing signal to noise ratio, comprising: setting an exposure time; scanning a target chart in accordance with the exposure time; generating digital output data in accordance with the scanning a target chart; and increasing the exposure time if the output data generated by the scan is less than a maximum value.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: rescanning the target chart in accordance with the increased exposure time; generating additional digital output data in accordance with the rescanning the target chart; and further increasing the exposure time if the output data generated by the rescan is less than the maximum value.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising saving the exposure time value if the output data generated by the rescan is not less than the maximum value.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: decreasing the exposure time if the output data generated by the scan is greater than a maximum value.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: rescanning the target chart in accordance with the decreased exposure time; generating additional digital output data in accordance with the rescanning the target chart; and further decreasing the exposure time if the output data generated by the rescan is greater than the maximum value.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising saving the exposure time value if the output data generated by the rescan is not greater than the maximum value.
 20. An article comprising: a storage medium having stored thereon instructions, that, if executed, result in: setting an exposure time; scanning a target chart in accordance with said exposure time; generating digital output data in accordance with the scanning a target chart; and increasing the exposure time if the output data generated by the scan is less than a maximum value.
 21. The article of claim 20, wherein the instructions, if executed, further result in: rescanning the target chart in accordance with the increased exposure time; generating additional digital output data in accordance with the rescanning the target chart; and further increasing the exposure time if the output data generated by the rescan is less than the maximum value.
 22. The article of claim 21, wherein the instruction, if executed, further result in saving the exposure time value if the output data generated by the rescan is not less than the maximum value.
 23. The article of claim 20, wherein the instructions, if executed, further result in: decreasing the exposure time if the output data generated by the scan is greater than a maximum value.
 24. The article of claim 23, wherein the instructions, if executed, further result in: rescanning the target chart in accordance with the decreased exposure time; generating additional digital output data in accordance with the rescanning the target chart; and further decreasing the exposure time if the output data generated by the rescan is greater than the maximum value.
 25. The article of claim 24, wherein the instructions, if executed, further result in saving the exposure time value if the output data generated by the rescan is not greater than the maximum value.
 26. A scanning apparatus, comprising: means for setting an exposure time; means for scanning a target chart in accordance with said exposure time; means for generating digital output data in accordance with the scanning a target chart; and means for increasing the exposure time if the output data generated by the scan is less than a maximum value.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: means for rescanning the target chart in accordance with the increased exposure time; means for generating additional digital output data in accordance with the rescanning the target chart; and means for further increasing the exposure time if the output data generated by the rescan is less than the maximum value.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising means for saving the exposure time value if the output data generated by the rescan is not less than the maximum value.
 29. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: means for decreasing the exposure time if the output data generated by the scan is greater than a maximum value.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising: means for rescanning the target chart in accordance with the decreased exposure time; means for generating additional digital output data in accordance with the rescanning the target chart; and means for further decreasing the exposure time if the output data generated by the rescan is greater than the maximum value.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising means for saving the exposure time value if the output data generated by the rescan is not greater than the maximum value.
 32. A method for increasing signal to noise ratio, comprising: setting an illumination value; scanning a target chart in accordance with said illumination value; generating digital output data in accordance with the scanning a target chart; and increasing the illumination value if the output data generated by the scan is less than a maximum value.
 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising: rescanning the target chart in accordance with the increased illumination value; generating additional digital output data in accordance with the rescanning the target chart; and further increasing the illumination value if the output data generated by the rescan is less than the maximum value.
 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising saving the illumination value if the output data generated by the rescan is not less than the maximum value.
 35. The method of claim 32, further comprising: decreasing the illumination value if the output data generated by the scan is greater than a maximum value.
 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising: rescanning the target chart in accordance with the decreased illumination value; generating additional digital output data in accordance with the rescanning the target chart; and further decreasing the illumination value if the output data generated by the rescan is greater than the maximum value.
 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising saving the illumination value if the output data generated by the rescan is not greater than the maximum value.
 38. An article comprising: a storage medium having stored thereon instructions, that, if executed, result in: setting an illumination value; scanning a target chart in accordance with the illumination value; generating digital output data in accordance with the scanning a target chart; and increasing the illumination value if the output data generated by the scan is less than a maximum value.
 39. The article of claim 38, wherein the instructions, if executed, further result in: rescanning the target chart in accordance with the increased illumination value; generating additional digital output data in accordance with the rescanning the target chart; and further increasing the illumination value if the output data generated by the rescan is less than the maximum value.
 40. The article of claim 39, wherein the instructions, if executed, further result in saving the illumination value if the output data generated by the rescan is not less than the maximum value.
 41. The article of claim 38, wherein the instructions, if executed, further result in: decreasing the illumination value if the output data generated by the scan is greater than a maximum value.
 42. The article of claim 41, wherein the instructions, if executed, further result in: rescanning the target chart in accordance with the decreased illumination value; generating additional digital output data in accordance with the rescanning the target chart; and further decreasing the illumination value if the output data generated by the rescan is greater than the maximum value.
 43. The article of claim 42, wherein the instructions, if executed, further result in saving the illumination value if the output data generated by the rescan is not greater than the maximum value.
 44. A scanning apparatus, comprising: means for setting an illumination value; means for scanning a target chart in accordance with the illumination value; means for generating digital output data in accordance with the scanning a target chart; and means for increasing the illumination value if the output data generated by the scan is less than a maximum value.
 45. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising: means for rescanning the target chart in accordance with the increased illumination value; means for generating additional digital output data in accordance with the rescanning the target chart; and means for further increasing the illumination value if the output data generated by the rescan is less than the maximum value.
 46. The apparatus of claim 45, further comprising means for saving the illumination value if the output data generated by the rescan is not less than the maximum value.
 47. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising: means for decreasing the illumination value if the output data generated by the scan is greater than a maximum value.
 48. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising: means for rescanning the target chart in accordance with the decreased illumination value; means for generating additional digital output data in accordance with the rescanning the target chart; and means for further decreasing the illumination value if the output data generated by the rescan is greater than the maximum value.
 49. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising means for saving the illumination value if the output data generated by the rescan is not greater than the maximum value. 